Overcoming The Odds: A Vision For One Man One Vote in Somalia
The dream of a one man, one vote election in Somalia has been both a distant aspiration and also a necessary step towards rebuilding the nations democratic institutions that has long been forgotten. For decades, the country has been trapped in cycles of instability, conflict, and a lack of a strong central governance.
While the current political system relies on a clan-based electoral model, the shift towards a truly democratic one person one vote system represents a huge fundamental change towards the political landscape in the country, not only in how Somalia governs itself, but also in how its youth whom comprise of 70% of the country’s population view their participation in the political process.
For more than 55 years, the youth in the country have not participated in any decision-making process. As we are well aware, the country has not had a nationwide one man one vote election since 1969, when Siad Barre seized power.
In March this year, Somalia’s parliament unanimously approved a bill overhauling the country’s electoral system to reintroduce universal suffrage.
The agreement signed by the Prime Minister H.E Hamza Abdi Barre, the leaders of three regional states, and Mogadishu mayor laid out a path to a nationwide one-person one-vote elections.
“The leaders agreed to introduce national elections, where citizens will vote for their leaders, starting with local, regional, and municipal elections set for June 2025.
Somalia’s Bicameral parliament has also approved key electoral laws on November 11th 2025, including rules governing elections, parties and political organizations and establishing the country’s electoral commission.
The laws were presented by Minister of interior Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh and received unanimous support from the 170 lawmakers present. The second deputy speaker of the House of the People, Sadia Yaasin Haji announced that the laws were passed without any opposition or abstentions.
The new legislation is aligned with the National Consultative Council (NCC) Agreement, which calls for a unified, universal suffrage system across Somalia.
The main obstacle to a 1m1v election in Somalia has been the instability and lack of peace. Somalia’s security situation remains one of the primary challenges with Al Shabab posing a threat to ordinary citizens. In August 2022, the Somali government launched a fresh offensive against Al Shabab, capitalizing on mounting discontent with the terrorist group.
The operation in support with clan militias aligned with the Army’s agenda has yielded the most comprehensive territorial gains since the mid 2010s with many districts now free from Al Shabab.
These military operations have not only sought to weaken Al Shabab militarily but also to degrade its control over the population, thus allowing displaced people to return to their homes.
This in return has boosted morale within the Somali Society, creating a sense of positive momentum. Mohamed el-Amine Souef, special representative of the chairperson of the African union commission for Somalia and head of ATMIS, recognizing the country’s notable progress on many fronts, said that the security situation “remains calm” in areas with government and ATMIS presence.
If the government can continue to reclaim territory from Al-Shabab and other armed groups, the groundwork for secure polling stations will gradually fall into place, paving the way for 1m1v election in 55 years.
Furthermore, the creation of a functioning electoral commission comprised of a team of well experienced technocrats will be vital. Somalia will need to invest with the help of international partners in building the capacity of its instititons to organize, monitor and conduct elections.
This includes training electoral staff, creating voter databases and ensuring that all political actors are able to participate without fear of retribution. In a recent national media round table, Somalia’s interior minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh reiterated the governments commitment to conducting elections and preparing numerous constituencies for the people to exercise their right to vote.
This dedication shows the government’s resolve to uphold democratic principles and ensure the participation of all citizens in the electoral process.
A 1m1v election will drive out the current political trajectory which is enclaved in the tribalist system. (In the lead up to the general elections and campaign period Somalia has endured a divisive and tumultuous political period with desperate groups, often based on untenable and weak artificial alliances vying for power and supremacy.
While the road to a one-man, one-vote in Somalia is fraught with challenges, it is a path worth pursuing. Through careful planning, security improvements, and the gradual dismantling of clan-based politics, Somalia can move towards a more inclusive and democratic future.
This shift will reshape the country’s political landscape, foster national unity, and provide a stable foundation for sustainable peace and prosperity. The journey may be long, but the potential rewards both for Somalia and for the wider region make this vision worth striving for. A commitment to democracy and inclusivity can reshape a nation’s future.
REFRENCES
1. https://sonna.so/en/somalias-interior-minister-reaffirms-commitment-to-one-man-one-vote-election/
2.https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2024/Nov/198880/somali_parliament_approves_electoral_laws_paving_way_for_2025_elections.aspx?utm_source=hiiraan&utm_medium=SomaliNewsUpdateFront
3. https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/somalia/b187-sustaining-gains-somalias-offensive-against-al-shabaab
4. https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15741.doc.htm